HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-11 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesE
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CITY OF TAMARAC
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2009
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the regular meeting of the city
commission to order at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 in Chambers at Tamarac
City Hall 7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321.
PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Vice Mayor Patricia Atkins -Grad,
Commissioner Pamela Bushnell (participated via telephone), Commissioner Diane Glasser,
and Commissioner Harry Dressler.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren, and City
Clerk Marion Swenson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The following youngsters led the pledge of allegiance: Isabella
Davis-Lamberg, Morgan and Hunter Gillespie, Todd Silver, Gabby Salway, Michael Floyd,
Kayla Johnson, and Sarah Rahmankhah.
Vicki Reid, Executive Director of the Tamarac Chamber of Commerce introduced Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco gave the State of the City Address (a copy of which is attached
and incorporated as part of these minutes.)
1. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Presentation by Jan Corcoran of J. P. Taravella High School, to the Mayor and City
Commission, thanking the City of Tamarac for its donation in support of the marching band
which enabled the band -to play at the Presidential Inaugural Parade. Ms. Corcoran also
gave a special presentation to Commissioner Bushnell for her generous donation to the
marching band. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco informed everyone that Commissioner Glasser
was at the inauguration, and Community Development Director Bramley's son marched in the
parade.
CHILDREN'S WEEK PROCLAMATION: Presentation of a proclamation by Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco, proclaiming March 29 — April 5, 2009 as "Children's Week". Deborah
David, Director of Community Relations & Resource Development, Early Learning Coalition
of Broward County, Inc. accepted.
PURCHASING MONTH PROCLAMATION: Presentation of a proclamation by Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco proclaiming the month of March 2009 as "Purchasing Month".
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz accepted and thanked the Mayor and City Commission
and expressed gratitude for the City Manager's leadership. City Manager Miller added that
last year Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz was named Purchasing Manager of the Year
for the entire country, and City Manager Miller commended the department for their efforts on
behalf of the City of Tamarac.
Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2009
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REPORTS
2. COMMISSION REPORTS: Commissioner Bushnell commended Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco on the State of the City Address. In these hard times, everybody can be proud of
what Tamarac does. Commissioner Bushnell said she continues to work with members of
the community.
Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad commended Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco on the State of the City
Address. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad said she attended homeowner association meetings in the
Woodlands and commended the two Tamarac BSO officers who spoke to the homeowners
and provided them with tips on how to protect their homes from uninvited guests. BSO Chief
Duguay updated the Presidents' Council on the Woodlands community crime statistics, and
said BSO is using unmarked cars to patrol the streets. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad said she is
working on acquiring a stop sign at 70th Avenue and 58th Street. Monday evening she
attended the Fairhaven 11 meeting, where Community Development Director Bramley spoke
of the programs available to residents.
Commissioner Glasser commended Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco on the State of the City
Address, and spoke of her recent trip to Tallahassee. Commissioner Glasser said she met
with legislators from all over the state, as well as the City's lobbyist, Ron Book, and she
would have the information available for her colleagues by the next meeting.
Commissioner Dressler said Tamarac is up to the challenge in this unsettled environment.
We have strong leadership and the highest principles, and everything we do is for our
residents. Commissioner Dressler commended staff on their efforts on behalf of the City, and
thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve Tamarac.
3. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT: City Attorney Goren commended Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco on the State of the City Address. In addition to the Bills discussed at Monday's
workshop, Senator Storms has also presented a Track Your Taxes Florida Budget Openness
Act, SB1972 and HB971. The State of Florida is yet again finding a way to mandate local
governments to yield to Tallahassee on subjects in which municipalities are already in
compliance. City Attorney Goren spoke of the Resolution that will be added to the consent
agenda as a result of discussion at Monday's workshop, regarding growth management. City
Attorney Goren said the Bill in question is moving swiftly through committee and it has
serious implications for local governments. City Attorney Goren said there was a conference
call today regarding University Drive, in which Secretary Pelham participated, Secretary
Pelham said he is displeased the commitments and obligations required by law have been
skirted by Palm Beach County.
4. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: City Manager Miller congratulated Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco on the State of the City Address. BSO reports they are partnering with the United
Way on a substance abuse program called Operation Medicine Cabinet, wherein a buy-back
program will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. at the Tamarac Community
Center. Community Development reports the open enrollment period for the Neighborhood
Stabilization program closed on February 27. There will be a workshop for the first 25
Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2009
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applicants on Tuesday, and we anticipate assisting at least 80 applicants. Everyone is
invited to the Tamarac Community Center to see the improvements taking place in order to
meet the needs of the residents. Customer Service is moving from City Hall to the Tamarac
Community Center where we will have `one -stop shopping". The Caporella Aquatic Center
was not opened on March 1 as originally planned, due to federal legislation requiring
modifications to the drain covers. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed this is an unfunded
mandate. City Manager Miller reminded everyone of the Tamarac Twilight Concert on March
13 from 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m. at the Tamarac Sports Complex.
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Burt Schneider, 8016 NW 72 Street commended Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco on the State of the City Address. Mr. Schneider spoke of his
presidency of the WPOA for the 12th year and said his acceptance is due to the City of
Tamarac having a government that works hand in hand with the citizenry.
Commissioner Bushnell ended the telephonic transmission to the meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
6. Commissioner Dressler seconded by Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad moved the addition of
TR11589 to the consent agenda as Item 6(b). City Attorney Goren read Temporary
Resolution 11589 by title. OPPOSING THE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR FLORIDA
SENATE BILL 360: (TR11589) A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac,
Florida, opposing the Committee Substitute for Florida Senate Bill 360 — an act related to
growth management, and other legislative proposals that weaken growth management;
directing the City Clerk to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Florida League of Cities,
the Broward League of Cities, the Governor, the President of the Florida Senate, the Speaker
of the Florida House of Representatives, and the members of the Broward Legislative
Delegation; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective
date. On roll call Commissioner Glasser voted "yes", Commissioner Dressler "yes", Vice
Mayor Atkins -Grad "yes", and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion carried.
Commissioner Dressler seconded by Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad moved approval of the consent
agenda. On roll call Commissioner Dressler voted "yes", Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad "yes",
Commissioner Glasser "yes", and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion carried.
a. APPROVE MINUTES of the February 25, 2009 regular city commission meeting.
APPROVED
b. OPPOSING THE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR FLORIDA SENATE BILL 360:
(TR11589) A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, opposing the
Committee Substitute for Florida Senate Bill 360 — an act related to growth management, and
other legislative proposals that weaken growth management; directing the City Clerk to
transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Florida League of Cities, the Broward League of
Cities, the Governor, the President of the Florida Senate, the Speaker of the Florida _House of
Representatives, and the members of the Broward Legislative Delegation; prodding for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
RESOLUTION NO. R2009 — 030
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2009
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REGULAR AGENDA
7. TR11577 — TEPHFORD PARK ARTIST SELECTION: A resolution of the City of
Tamarac, Florida, approving the public art proposal and concept by Ilan Averbuch to be
placed at Tephford Park; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; providing for an
effective date. City Attorney Goren read Temporary Resolution 11577 by title.
Commissioner Glasser seconded by Commissioner Dressler moved approval. Community
Development Director Bramley and George Gadson, Chairperson of the Public Art
Committee gave presentations. Commissioner Dressler congratulated Mr. Gadson and the
committee for another wonderful opportunity for the citizens of the City of Tamarac, and said
Mr. Gadson is a prominent, internationally known artist. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco added
Mr. Gadson is a resident of the City of Tamarac. Mr. Gadson provided brief curriculum vitae
to the Mayor and City Commission. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said the refurbishing of the
egret sculpture at the park on the comer of McNab and Pine Island is paid for from the public
art fund; no public monies are used to maintain the artwork. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco
spoke of other art pieces in the City of Tamarac and the fact that the artwork in front of the
Tamarac Community Center was donated by a resident. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad mentioned
the shades recently installed in the park on McNab and Pine Island. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco added Tamarac exceeds the required amount of open space as dictated by the
Florida statutes. Commissioner Glasser said she is honored to have Mr. Gadson as part of
our community; this is the second piece she has had the opportunity to vote on; it is an
unusual and beautiful work. On roll call Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad voted "yes", Commissioner
Glasser "yes", Commissioner Dressler "yes", and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion
carried.
RESOLUTION NO. R2009-031
QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S)
There were no quasi-judicial hearings scheduled for this meeting
END OF QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S)
END OF PUBLIC HEARING(S)
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
C�
Beth Flansbaum-Ta abisco, Mayor
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Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2009
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TAMARAC STATE OF THE CITY: 2009
Presented by Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco on March 11, 2009
This evening I speak to you at a time when our country, our state, and our city
face great challenges.
In Tamarac, we are experiencing the same anxieties and tests that communities
all over the nation are facing.
Yet, my fellow residents, despite these challenges, the state of our City is strong.
Through the efforts of my dedicated fellow Commissioners, a devoted team of
management and staff, our first responders who keep us safe, an engaged
business community, and our faithful citizenry, Tamarac endures, flourishes, and
perseveres.
As I look around the chambers this evening, I see many friends and "community
patriots" who help us do just that — patriots such as our two newest
Commissioners. These women from different perspectives and backgrounds
threw themselves into the politics of our City with the goal of making a difference.
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The first is Commissioner Pamela Bushnell, a newcomer to Florida politics and
exactly the type of story we love. Last year Pam was a student of the 2008 class
of Tamarac University. There she received an insider's view of the City, and it
was that knowledge, along with a love for her community and the encouragement
of friends and neighbors, that prompted her to run for the District 1 seat last year.
She handily won that election and has been a wonderful addition to our
Commission.
Along with Commissioner Bushnell, the City also gained a new Commissioner in
District 3. Diane Glasser is a veteran of City, County, State and Federal politics.
Another wonderful story, Diane has been a loyal observer of the City's politics for
some time. In fact, if you look to your left you will notice she graces our wall of
past Commissioners having previously served as Commissioner of District 1 from
1991 — 1992. Her depth of knowledge and her involvement with County, State,
and national politics are advantages for our City, and our Commission. and the
historical perspective she brings is truly appreciated.
This Commission is complete because of the commitment of its' existing
members, Vice Mayor Patricia Atkins -Grad and Commissioner Harry Dressler. In
the six years that I have had the privilege of serving this City, these two
individuals have truly brought a breath of fresh air to City Hall.
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Commissioner Dressler with his grasp of the matters affecting the world at large,
and how they trickle down to our local issues, brought a unique intellect and
curiosity to the Commission. His background in finance and economics has been
a tremendous help as we continue to deal with tough realities.
Vice Mayor Patricia Atkins -Grad was new to politics when she won the District 2
seat in 2006. She quickly found her stride and dove head first into her position of
Commissioner and again this year as she has taken on the role of Vice Mayor.
She brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to our Commission.
Each member of this Commission plays a vital role in the success of our
community through their involvement with a variety boards and committees.
Commissioner Dressler represents the City on the Metropolitan Planning
Organization, the group that tackles our tough transportation issues at the
Federal level. Commissioner Bushnell has recently been appointed to the State
Road 7 Collaborative to help with the development and revitalization of this
essential economic and transportation corridor. Commissioner Glasser was
named to the Advisory Board of the Aging and Disability Resource Center to
assist with the needs of this vital population throughout Broward County. And
Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad serves on the Broward County Water Academy
contributing to the ideas that will lead South Florida into the future of
conservation. These are just a few of the many activities my colleagues
participate in.
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I must also take a moment to recognize our staff led by City Manager, Jeff Miller.
It's Jeff's unflappable demeanor and his steady hand tempered by years of
experience in government that serve our City so well. As many of you who have
attended our workshops or Commission meetings have observed, no matter how
animated some of our debates may become, Jeff is always composed as he
listens to all sides and formulates a balanced approach to resolving issues. Jeff,
we thank you for your hard work and leadership.
And thank you to our City Attorney, Sam Goren, and his staff as well. They keep
us abreast of the issues affecting our City, State, and surrounding communities,
while at the same time keeping us following proper protocol, policy, and
guidelines.
I also want to thank our dedicated Executive Team and City staff who day -in and
day -out go about the business of the City. It is their resilience, innovation, and
enthusiasm that make our City work so well.
And of course, my husband of 18 years, Jack. It is your unfailing support that
keeps me going and looking toward the future.
I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge our two most recent former
Commissioners as well, Commissioner Ed Portner and Vice Mayor Mark
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Sultanof. Throughout their years of service, these two gentlemen left an indelible
mark on our City.
There are many more people I would like to acknowledge and thank for their
service to our Community... those I call "community patriots". Like our
Commissioners, these citizens, business owners and leaders, who support the
City in so many ways, play a vital role in our success.
I'm reminded of a quote by William Shakespeare: "What is the City, but the
people?"
People like Lung Chui, President of our Buddhist Temple, and Se Fa, the Master
of our Buddhist Temple, who love our community so much that they have
pledged a wonderful donation to help us with a Parks and Recreation program.
Or the group of men from Temple Beth Torah who recently spent a Sunday
morning mulching landscape at Tephford Park.
Or our Kiwanis Club that has pledged up to $3,000 to our future Community
Garden.
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People such as the Grads — of Margate. Residents who travel from their home to
our People and Pups park regularly because they love the facility, and what it
offers our expanded community.
And others like Tom and Abby Ashford who were dealing with an extraordinary
health issue and reached out to me. And thanks to help from our Social Services
department, they are back on their feet and back out in the community.
People such as Stewart and Lisa Silver, and their son Todd, who live, work, play,
and go to school in Tamarac and are always eager to lend a hand to help make
our City even greater.
And Dan Sturmer, a colleague, friend and Weston Commissioner, who drives
through our City regularly, who called to tell me how much he loved our new logo
and signage... and how inviting Tamarac is.
Ben Chicofsky, who at 90 years young, is a standard-bearer within our
Community. Ben was part of the group of citizens who, over 20 years ago,
began the Tam -A -Gram in its original incarnation and has been involved ever
since.
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It is men, women, and children like these who make up our City — whether you
live here or in a surrounding community, do business here or pass through on
your way to another destination... Tamarac touches lives and invites you in.
There is no question that the months ahead will bring tremendous challenges for
Tamarac. The world economy is in disarray and as we wait for our national
leaders to work through ideas and solutions, we must stay ever vigilant of the
task closest at hand. Tamarac exists to serve its people and we remain
dedicated to Customer Service... Second to None!
In order to maintain that level of service, difficult choices will need to be made.
In anticipation of additional reductions in revenue sharing from the State and
Federal governments, we have already taken steps to reduce expenditures for
the coming year. Steps such as:
• Closing Satellite City Hall;
• Imposing a moratorium on hiring, except for "critical" positions;
• Eliminating temporary staff positions; and
Putting on hold orders of new equipment and systems.
It is these cost saving measures, combined with others, that will allow us to
weather the storm we now know as the worst recession in decades.
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Make no mistake these decisions are never taken lightly. Closing a facility gives
us great pause because of the possible residual effects on service. Putting a
freeze on hiring can have the same consequences, as can the elimination of
temporary staff positions, and the suspension of new equipment orders.
Just as the decisions to close a facility, freeze hiring, or to not order new
equipment, are undertaken with intense scrutiny, so too are the decisions to open
that Satellite City Hall, hire that new groundskeeper, or order that new vehicle.
This is not excess we are forced to trim. These are holes we are forced to fill.
The services we provide to our residents include necessities such as water,
sewer, fire and police. We also provide programs and activities, information and
knowledge, clean streets, manicured medians, and much more that all cost
money and require staff to maintain.
Service is the heart of our governing philosophy — as a way to compensate for
the loss of our Satellite City Hall, and to streamline our customer service
facilities, residents will soon be able to take care of all their needs in one
convenient location — at the Tamarac Community Center on Commercial
Boulevard. Our customer service staff is being consolidated to better serve the
community with longer operating hours.
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This consolidation of service contributed to our being able to meet the demands
of a 5 million dollar reduction in the fiscal year 2009 budget. Expecting further
shortfalls, and to continue to stay ahead of the curve, the day the Commission
signed off on that budget, City staff immediately began working on the 2010 fiscal
year budget.
More than just revenue shortfalls from the State and Federal governments,
Tamarac's slice of the property tax pie is also shrinking. Foreclosures are on the
rise as layoffs mount and unemployment figures continue to increase.
The bursting of the housing bubble has taken its toll, and the affects will be felt
for years to come in the form of de -valued properties and dwindling tax proceeds.
Without question these are immense challenges, but we must also recognize the
silver lining that is shining through.
Recently Tamarac was awarded 4.7 million dollars in Neighborhood Stabilization
funds from the Federal government. These funds are available to assist first-time
homebuyers in purchasing homes that have been foreclosed on. Homes at
affordable prices, bought with down payment assistance — what a wonderful
program!
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In January our Housing Division held a seminar for realtors to educate them
about the Federal Funds available to first-time homebuyers. They expected 20,
maybe 30 agents to show up. They had over 120. We also partnered with Coral
Springs to hold an educational seminar about foreclosures — over 300 people
attended!
In addition to helping new homebuyers get into foreclosed homes, Tamarac also
offers a Neighborhood Partnership Program. This program, available to
Homeowner and Condo Associations, offers matching grant dollars to assist in
beautifying the common elements of your communities.
We have also recently revised our Code of Ordinances. These changes are
aimed squarely at improving the look of our neighborhoods and commercial
areas which will in turn help to improve and maintain property values.
The housing issue is just one of the topics discussed as we lobby at the State
and Federal levels for additional funding. Trips to Washington and Tallahassee
by our lobbyist, and where appropriate, by myself and my colleagues, as well as
senior staff, are not in vain. We must get Tamarac on the list of municipalities in
need. And we must also get Tamarac on the list of communities that want to
contribute to the solutions.
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We will not be left behind or forgotten. Although we cherish our past, we are no
longer the "sleepy retirement community" that many would have us portrayed as.
Our demographics have changed — as I often say, Tamarac is comprised of
`juniors, seniors, and in-betweeners." All with specific wants and needs from
their City government.
You only have to take a short drive to our Community Center to see the diversity
in action. From knitting to computer lessons, badminton to basketball, yoga to
line dancing. We offer it all.
Or, take a stroll through our new People and Pups Park. Some questioned its
timing, but I assure you I have no regrets. We were able to take an underused
area of land and reshape it into, without question, our City's most popular park.
The energy and sense of community you feel upon entering this space will
remind you what City parks are all about — an escape from the world... if only for
a moment.
It is that escape that Cities need to offer, now more than ever. With families
cutting back on going out, we have the opportunity to provide them with low cost,
and in many cases free, activities. Whether that be a relaxing stroll or a vigorous
bike ride; a concert at twilight; a fireworks display; or swimming at the Aquatic
Center, Tamarac is The City for Your Life.
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As uncertainty is delivered to us daily in print, on the internet, and on television,
Tamarac is like a "port in the storm" for our residents.
A port that we have been speaking about for several years is our mixed -use
corridor W otherwise known as Main Street. I am very pleased that after years of
planning, my colleagues and I have been able to sign -off on the developer's
plans for phase one of this very exciting project. We look forward to a ground-
breaking, and the new retail shops, offices and restaurants, not to mention the
new jobs, this project will bring to our City.
No City, or City government, is an island. The ties to our community define who
we are and the direction we will take.
This evening I am announcing two new initiatives
The first is the formation of an "Interfaith Leadership Council" comprised of
members of Tamarac's religious organizations, some of whom are here this
evening. Tamarac is an Inclusive Community and we value the opportunity to
play host to such a wide variety of faiths. The Interfaith Leadership Council will
work hand -in -hand to promote unity, and cooperation.
realize the active role faith -based groups play in our community and I have
asked them to form the back -bone of my second initiative... the "Tamarac
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Community Partners Food Drive". We all know that the effects of the economic
downturn are far-reaching and this community -wide Food Drive will help serve
those in need — and not just for human consumption, this Food Drive will also
include donations for our four -legged friends. To help me kick off this initiative I
would like to ask the children in the audience to come forward with the food items
they have brought with them. This basket is just the beginning... in the weeks
ahead I will host a group of community leaders to discuss how best to move
forward with this Community Food Drive, and I look forward to working with my
colleagues on the Commission to make both of these projects a success.
It is often said that "it takes a village" and this should resonate in all of us. By
reaching out to our neighbors and offering to help those less fortunate, we build
bridges and we solidify ties. Tamarac is our village. It is where we live, work and
play. And it is here that we all must come together to find solutions to the
challenges we face.
In the months ahead you will hear more about these initiatives and I encourage
all of you to become involved.
I just spoke of Tamarac as the place we live, work, and play... so too is Tamarac
a place where we shop and dine. Over the next several weeks and months we
will be promoting "Live, Work, Play, Shop, Tamarac!" as a way to insure the
success of our local economy. I encourage each of you to join me in utilizing the
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services available to us by the hard working men and women who make up
Tamarac's business community.
There is no denying, the challenges of the recent past and the foreseeable future
are vast, but through it all we continue to achieve great things. Such as:
• We broke ground on our new recreation center on University Drive; and
We opened an additional 15 acres of new ball fields at our expanded
sports complex;
• We unveiled a new City logo;
• We won the prestigious Emerald Trophy for Environmental Stewardship;
We won the ArtServe Encore Award for a second year in a row;
• We were the first City in South Florida to receive Silver Certification from
the Florida Green Building Coalition;
• We're one of the first cities to be on Twitter; and
• Tephford Park and the Gary B Jones Park for People and Pups opened —
both named for friends and colleagues taken from us far too soon.
We must also recognize the Tamarac branch of the Broward Sheriff's Office. Our
partnership with BSO is stronger than ever and it is a relationship that we are
very proud of. Everyday the men and women who protect our community and
put their lives on the line, are to be commended for the work they do.
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We have many amazing individuals within the City that make all of this possible,
but there are two in particular whom I would like to single -out for their exceptional
service.
The first is our Social Services supervisor, Rose Cure-Persad, who was a finalist
for the 2008 Florida League of Cities Employee of the Year award
The second is Joe Scimeca, our Senior Code Officer. Joe, a retired New York
City police detective, put those skills to good use last December when he found a
fugitive mother who was on the run, with one of her daughters, and helped get
them to safety. He and Rose exemplify the type of employees we have here in
Tamarac.
When speaking of accomplishments I must also mention the numerous grants
the City receives. As you may know, we rely on grant dollars to help us fund
many of the City's projects, whether it be new park facilities, life saving
equipment, or the covered walkway between the Community Center and Library.
If we have a need, or an idea for a project, we always look for ways to get
somebody else to help pay the cost. Over the past year or so we have received
a staggering amount of grant money ... over 10 million dollars... dollars our tax
payers did not have to finance.
Please join me in applauding, our incredible staff
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In closing this evening, I'd like to share with you the words that continue to
motivate and comfort me.
"May the long time sun shine upon you. May all love surround you and the pure
light within you guide your way on." Tamarac is 45 years young and, through
good times and struggles, the sun continues to shine on us. Our love for the City
we call home, and our united purpose will light our way into the future, and make
us stronger and an even better City. We must never lose sight of the fact that we
live in an incredible time of hope, inspiration, and opportunity and that we are all
on this journey together.
May god bless and protect us. Thank you.
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